Damn that NBC Nightly News. OK, here goes. I hadn't wanted to say anything about this until we'd reached a decision, and had a signed contract, but now that NBC News has announced that Michael Douglas will be doing the voiceover introduction to their nightly newscast, our hand has been forced.

For about six months now we've been working on having someone with a very distinctive voice introduce 360 every night. It all started for us when CBS got Walter Cronkite to introduce their broadcast. We formed an exploratory committee which met once a week in a backroom at Michael's restaurant in New York. Week after week, cobb salad after cobb salad, we argued over whose voice to use. Sometimes the discussions got very heated, and eventually we were asked not to return to Michael's. I actually think some NBC News executives may have overheard our discussions there one afternoon and it might have given them the idea to use Michael Douglas. (We never actually talked about using him, but Catherine Zeta-Jones was high on our list for a long time.) Water under the bridge.

While we have not made a final decision, I thought I'd let you know about our four finalists, and if there is anyone else you think should be considered, please let us know. In no particular order, the four people we are considering hiring to introduce 360 everynight are:

Fran DrescherClint EastwoodPaul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman)Cher

Personally, I'm arguing for Fran Drescher, but I'm keeping an open mind.

What about Arnold Schwarzeneggar? At each commerical break you could have him say "Anderson will be back in 60 seconds?"

Jenn in Tampa

Posted By Anonymous : 2:10 PM ET

Oh my god I don't think I could handle Fran Drescher introducing you every night Anderson. I mean seriously. I really need to draw the line somewhere. I would probably start watching at 10:05PM. If I had to pick out of those four...I say Clint Eastwood. He could say something like "Go ahead Anderson, make my news" or something like that.

Glad we can still submit write in votes. What about Kathy Griffin.....she has a distinct voice and she can gosh over you like so many of us wish we could (I am kidding ~ only a little though). Will there be a poll to vote like for the 360 Political Theme Song?

And as to NBC using Michael Douglas as their voiceover. I'm not that impressed. I don't find his voice to be all that so no big loss there.

Posted By Megan O. Toronto, ON, Canada : 2:14 PM ET

Oh my god I don't think I could handle Fran Drescher introducing you every night Anderson. I mean seriously. I really need to draw the line somewhere. I would probably start watching at 10:05PM. If I had to pick out of those four...I say Clint Eastwood. He could say something like "Go ahead Anderson, make my news" or something like that.

Glad we can still submit write in votes. What about Kathy Griffin.....she has a distinct voice and she can gosh over you like so many of us wish we could (I am kidding ~ only a little though). Will there be a poll to vote like for the 360 Political Theme Song?

And as to NBC using Michael Douglas as their voiceover. I'm not that impressed. I don't find his voice to be all that so no big loss there.

Posted By Megan O. Toronto, ON, Canada : 2:14 PM ET

Anderson, AWW yeah...your too dang funny Coop!! I'll have to agree Fran Drescher all the way!! I mean hearing that voice every night introing you would be SO GREAT!! LOL It would just make your show SO much better!! LOL Cause we know you need all the help that you can get!! LOL Just kidding Coop!

Fran Drescher?! Surely you want to gain more viewers, not scare them off! My choice would've been Barry White, but sadly, he's no longer available for work...

Posted By Fay, Vacaville, CA : 2:40 PM ET

One vote for Stephen Hawkings.

Posted By Arachnae, Sterling VA : 2:40 PM ET

I think you guys should go with Jeff Probst.And then you can have a Survivor-Mole off.Throw in some Phil Keoghan and it turns into a Survivor-Mole-Amazing Race off.Who knows what Ryan Seacrest could add to that mix?

I can see it now.Well... technically I can hear it.

Posted By Sarah R., Toronto, ON, Canada. : 2:42 PM ET

Anderson,

I think that your exploratory committee was having more that just cobb salad in that backroom at Michael's if those are the four finalists they have come up with!

Staying with the quality of the choices presented, I guess I would have to pick Bart Simpson since Rodney Dangerfield is no longer with us; however, that hasn't stopped other celebrities, like Elvis, from continuing to work!

In my opinion you should introduce your own show. It'll be awesome with you!!!

Posted By Maggie G. : 2:48 PM ET

I think it has to be Celine Dion! Ater last night's show it's a no brainer right? She could sing you in and out of every show. Or what about Regis? You fill in for him all the time I think it's the least he could do in return.Or since you have a few connections over at Sesame Street how about Walter McKranky or Oscar the Grouch?

Thanks for making me laugh! Looking forward to your final decision!

Posted By Mary Anne, Parlin, NJ : 2:53 PM ET

Thanks for a good laugh after a long morning of juice boxes , animal crackers & Spongebob!

I don't think I could handle Cher or Fran for more than a few days. How about McDreamy? He has a great voice that all the ladies love. Speaking of love, can you introduce yourself? Your the reason we all watch AC360.

In reponse to the last comment I always thought you should join the Amazing Race! I think you could add it to your business card..Amazing Race Winner.

Posted By Jeanine : 2:53 PM ET

In a very particular order:YES, no,no,no. I can not believe Paul Ruebens even noted a mention. That may have been another reason your group was asked to leave "Michaels".

Posted By Anonymous : 2:55 PM ET

hey AC,Fran Drescher is a bit too much for introduction, but I'd definately go for Kathy Griffin. She is a great personality, not to mention being in love with you and such. Im sure she'll be plenty of entertainment every night on 360.

Els, ON, Canada

Posted By Anonymous : 2:56 PM ET

Why don't you intro your own show? You have a nice speaking voice as well. If I had to choose from the four people mentioned, I would choose Clint Eastwood.

Have fun reading everyone's ideas.

I look forward to your show tonight.

Posted By Wanda, Nashville, TN : 2:56 PM ET

Anderson, I think you should use Morgan Freeman for the voice over. He has a very distinct voice.

Have you tried going back to Michaels in disquise? That just might work...

Fran Drescher would probably scare me every night on 360, I throw my vote in for Kathy Griffin or how about James Earl Jones? Darth Vader introducing you every night? Now that would be cool! (but only if he uses the asthmatic breathing effects...)

And I bet NBC totally did steal your thunder on the voiceover idea - keep your eyes out in restaurants from now on!

Posted By Jamie, Pennsylvania : 2:58 PM ET

OK, the show's literally got your name on it and you need someone else introducing it? And your voice is distinctive enough, thank you very much. This is a joke, right? And yours is still a news program..? ;)Cheers to everyone from across the pond!

Hard choice, Anderson!As fan of Clint, I have his "Go ahead, make my day" as ring at my office phone (my boss "loves" it)! But if you can have Clive Owen, it would give me another reason to not miss your program at 4 a.m. from Paris! Other option: Celine Dion, she is workless. Or why not someone of the 360 staff! Yeah! Let's hear Charlie Moore and the Glee club! But please, not Paul Reubens!

hey Anderson,I amnot sure Fran will be a wise choice, I am thinking about George Clooney as : "AC 360, what else..."I am sure it will be great but you're the boss, it's up to you.Geraldine (Lyon, France)

Posted By Anonymous : 3:16 PM ET

Anderson! This post has does nothing but re-affirm ALL the reasons I love you! But I must say, I cannot imagine how no one has nominated Gilbert Gottfried. What is not to love about Iago from Aladdin and everyone's favorite AFLAC duck. It saddens me that you neglected to included him. That would make 360 just that much more!

Posted By USFGrad0508 : 3:16 PM ET

How about Bill O'Reilly? He could probably use the extra work....

Posted By johnny b. : 3:18 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

I would like to suggest Bob Goldthwait, better known as Zed from the 139 "Police Academy" movies. Such a sweet, strong and soothing voice!! LOL

Personally I love Sean Connery's voice, but I also liked when CNN used Darth Vadar's voice (aka James Earl Jones).

If you use any of thoses who've already been named, especially Kathy Griffin I think I'm going to have to switch to Fox News.

Seriously, Kathy Griffin as your New Years Eve "Special Guest",That's the best you can do? Makes me happy I've been invited out to a party, even if I'll be the youngest person there at 47.

L

Posted By Anonymous : 3:19 PM ET

Anderson,

while your at it , why not use one of the chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks? , on a serious note , a voice of integrity and one that commands attention Anthony Hopkins , give 360 some refinement" Maritza San jose, Ca

Posted By Anonymous : 3:20 PM ET

Hello Anderson.

I know of a best 360 announcer and it is Stephen Colbert or Fran Drescher. I don't like Cher so my favorite would have to be Fran Drescher.

Clint Eastwood all the way from the list. But what about Kiefer Sutherland...

Posted By Kristy, Carlisle, PA : 3:23 PM ET

What about your favorite person.. PARIS HILTON! She could introduce the show in her 'I can't be bothered to speak properly and use my full voice' drawl and then pause for a second and go 'It's hot'!!! Whaddya think??? lol.

Denise, Cork, Ireland.

Posted By Denise, Cork, Ireland : 3:24 PM ET

Anderson:

This has to be a joke and a real sick one to boot!

I hate to keep you up to date on Florida but google Pee Wee Herman & Florida.

You may want to knock Pee Wee off your list. He has some problems! I don't think he would pass CNN's Employment Background Check! Yikes!

Posted By Renee Bradenton, FL : 3:24 PM ET

Ok, I don't know who Fran Drescher or Paul Reubens are so could not comment !

Go with Cher because everytime something bad is reported you can have a clip of her singing " If I could turn back time"

Posted By Sara : 4:13 PM ET

I'm throwing my vote in for Ryan Seacrest. Come on, throw him a bone; it's not like the man has many jobs. I'm pretty sure he doesn't work at your particular time of the day. Who doesn't want to hear "AC 360... out!" ?

Posted By Fleur, Auckland, New Zealand : 4:15 PM ET

What happend to the guy who use to announce at the begining? I miss that guy! Bring him back if you can, :-)

Anderson, boy I'm sensing a little jealousy, a little keeping up with the Jones's. ;)

What the heck has gotten into you? In a good mood and now kidding around, it's weird. We've gotten so used to you being serious dude, with the crusty grumpy exterior, that this change is simply too much.

I think you should use Krusty the Klown, hey hey, or how about Sushi, the not so fresh drag queen or Seamanship or those girls teaching English? "I have a bad case of diarrhea" would lend just the right tone to the show most nights. ;)

The best comments on here and the people who don't get it that your being sarcastic.

Posted By lonelygirl1968 : 4:19 PM ET

Rufus Wainwright or Jake Shears!!Both men have very distinctive and adorable voices.

After all, it can't just be John Mayer who thinks he's the Anderson Cooper of E!

Posted By cassie t., auckland, new zealand : 4:31 PM ET

Obviously the Cobb salads were served with a red wine vinagrette - heavy on the red wine. I'd second Sean Connery but since he's not in your top 4 - Clint. Actually, you could alternate between - one male and one female - that would appease all members of your audience. But for the female - Kathleen Turner ... what better smoldering voice that Jessica Rabbit?

Posted By Lisa : 4:37 PM ET

Anderson,

Just say no to Fran! How about James Earl Jones? Or would that be to Darth Vader for people? Or maybe Keifer Sutherland? He has a nice smooth voice. I loved the dancing asian women--they were almost as good as the navy guys!

See you laterJessica Milwaukee, WI

Posted By Anonymous : 4:51 PM ET

Consider Steve Buscemi

Posted By MJ : 4:56 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

My vote would go to Fran Drescher. Her opening would be memorable every night! I guess we think alike. I'll see you on the show tonight. Have a good one and God bless.

Jessica from Texas

Posted By Jess : 4:59 PM ET

I vote for Fran out of your four choices. Her real voice is actually quite lovely.

The most fun announcer would be Robin Williams. You'd never know what you'd get each night. And think of what an awesome lead-in it could be to the show.

Posted By Tammy, Berwick, LA : 5:00 PM ET

Anderson, I have a great idea! What about Sam Elliot? He did the "Beef, it's whats for dinner" commercials. His voice is wonderful. You should really think about it!

Posted By Jess, Paris, KY : 5:00 PM ET

Anderson, I vote for Cher, but maybe you could consider the following:

How about Jerry Lewis? You could have duelling "Hey, Laaaaaaaaady"s. That would be cool.

Posted By Anonymous : 5:17 PM ET

Yikes! What are they putting in those salads anyway? Please give us something a bit less - er - melodic. How about Sam Elliot? (Connery would be good too.)

NancyPhoenix

Posted By Anonymous : 5:28 PM ET

I think Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, would make an awsome voice over introducer to 360. I think he does those .. 'built ford tough' commercials. And 360 is right along those lines.

Choose Mike Rowe

Posted By Liz toledo oh : 5:39 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

What about Kathy Griffin??

Tracie - Chicago, IL

Posted By Tracie - Chicago, IL : 5:39 PM ET

I think Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, would make a great voice over introducer to 360. I think he does those...'built Ford tough' commercials. And we all know 360 is right along those lines.

Choose Mike Rowe!

Posted By Liz toledo oh : 5:41 PM ET

Oh, if only the dramatic chipmunk could speak.

Posted By Lee, Topeka, KS : 5:44 PM ET

A fantastic voice would be the guy that does the movie trailers (also a Geico commercial), "One man, all alone, destined for greatness. One network, rising above all others. Together they will rule the..."

Posted By NE Fan : 5:49 PM ET

How about Erica? She could use her fabulous French accent! Magnifique!

Geeze, I like Fran's personnality but not her voice!! On that note, why not Joan Rivers, Borat, Simon Cowell(who could tell us what a bunch of morons we are, that would be nice!), Kathy Griffin(who would be sending you subliminal messages through the intro;-). And to go to commercials, of course, something, anything by Journey, your choice! Hey, it's your show!

More seriously, a man's voice,John Cusack(well, that's for me;-) or Anthony Hopkins or Jack Nicholson(with the voice of a psycho, yeah!)

Have a great show!Joanne R.Laval Quebec

Posted By Joanne R. : 6:06 PM ET

For the love of God do not pick Fran Drescher. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Oprah, Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, and Morgan Freeman would make good choices.

Posted By Shauna, Syracuse,NY : 6:07 PM ET

My vote is for Jerry Seinfeld. He could open the show by saying, "What's the deal with 360?"

Posted By Lee, Toronto, ON : 6:11 PM ET

I would go with Clint Eastwood. He is a legend. Definatly do not go with Paul Reubens that would be kinda weird...Love the show keep up the good work.

Posted By Sara Humboldt County : 6:13 PM ET

Hey Anderson,

Ha ha ha ha - the fact that you began your post by cussing cracked me up. It has been that sort of day hasn't it? Yeah, me too.

Okay,I have to go with my gut here. Clint Eastwood would be great, love Fran Drescher too, but my money goes on Pee Wee. It has to be said that hearing him announce, or better yet say "THIS IS CNN", I would have an accident directly related to his name.

Sheesh, don't you guys ever just eat burgers? Give it a try, you need the strength. LOL.

I think you should rotate people. Maybe change it up every couple of months. But I have to agree that Kathy Griffin is a good choice and Regis.

Posted By Holly in Florida : 6:19 PM ET

Of course you're keeping an open mind. That's what one of the things I appreciate about you. And, why I watch you.

I'd say James Earl Jones, Lindsay Lohan has a beautiful voice if you really listen. How about Kathleen Turner, Sexy yet professional and refined, not raunchy. Or, a professional radio DJ like JJ Kennedy or Pat St. John, they have great voices.

Fran Drescher, NOT! Sorry Anderson, I usually agree with you but I guess there's a first time for everything.

Posted By Mariela, New York, NY : 6:55 PM ET

Where you all sitting around listening to Cher? Is that why she was nominated? Why does it have to be someone famous? You can hire me to do it! I'll get people's attention...."the voice without a face...". Kind of catchy don't you think?HeidiSpringville, Ut

Posted By Heidi, Springville, Ut : 6:57 PM ET

I will be happy to volunteer my services. I think 360 needs a distinctive Cajun accent. Fly me to New York immediately.Seriously...is James Earl Jones still alive? He'd be great.

Posted By Debbie, Denham Springs, LA : 7:01 PM ET

Those are good picks Anderson but how about the movie voice over guy? Huh? Or Alan Rickman? Just a couple more for you to think about.

Posted By Stephanie Denby, Pittsburg, KS : 7:02 PM ET

Anderson,

There are many great ideas, but the live introduction Larry King does every night is the best. Don't change a thing. Do you really think your fans need a new introduction. No, we like ac360 just the way it is!

Kristine, Richmond, VA

Posted By kmlansing : 7:11 PM ET

Hi Anderson-What an interesting dilemma! Is Barry White still alive? That would sound cool!Good luck finding your voice over person!

Anderson,I am all about Fran Drescher!! I am sorry but if she does not have the most distinctive voice of the names you listed, I just don't know who else might! Although I read in someone else's comment about getting Kathy Griffin; I think that is an excelent idea as well! I mean the woman loves you, and to hear and possibly see? her everynight introducing your show, would just be beyond amazing!

Hey Anderson,How could you forget about "wacko Jacko" He should be #1 on your list! very unfortunate:(

Posted By Sabrina : 11:37 PM ET

James Earl Jones is my pick. (CNN already has him on the payroll!!!) But, if you want to be original...Mary J. Blige could sing your intro. YEAH!!!

Posted By Keisha R. Kansas City, MO : 11:48 PM ET

I vote for Robin Williams, you could have a different personality for every night of the week! Fran would be awsome too! As long as it's not her laugh everynight!

Nicole, London, ON, Canada

Posted By Nicole : 11:53 PM ET

Anderson, speaking for all the mothers out there, I think your mother would be a fabulous candidate.

Nina, New Haven, CT

Posted By Nina : 12:10 AM ET

How about some real news! There are youth leaders in Detroit who are fed up with the practice of shooting firearms to ring in the New Year. What is amazing here is that we see teens as leaders who are determined to make their city safer. Their blog, www.hugsnotbulletscampaign.blogspot.com tells their amazing views and concerns about this issue.

Well, thank goodness I only watch the podcasts! I think any of those choices are terrible, personally. Why can't you do it yourself? You have a very nice voice, and it is also extraordinarily distinctive. I would recognize your voice anywhere and I like it, Tigger laugh notwithstanding.

Hey Anderson; I think you should hold out for Helen Keller for intros and Elvis to sing you out...or maybe Steve Perry since he is obviously not busy with Journey anymore.

Posted By Sandi : 1:24 AM ET

I would vote for Morgan Freeman; he's already played "god" once. He sounds like a higher authority. If I had to listen to Fran Dresher I would commit hari kari. If it has to be one of the others, I vote for Clint.

Posted By Thewalrus1940 : 1:59 AM ET

Hey Anderson!

I think you should get Sean Connery!.. hes got such a cool, smooth voice... and you cant get any cooler then JAMES BOND!

Cammy

Posted By Anonymous : 2:20 AM ET

Get Pee-Wee!!! That would be awesome. Hey, couldn't Anderson just do it himself... I'm pretty sure he's famous enough.

So it was you in the voice over for Bravo? Sounds so much like you… Moonlighting?

Now a real question, why is it AC360 does not do Nola updates anymore in “Keeping them Honest” wear out your welcome…Gosh I hope not…I rather liked it you in that Mardi Gras parade that year…I mean what else could you ask for, a week of cultural history and support trying keep the “spirit” alive with AC throwing beads…

And why don’t you go after those who wanted to help and help the “Make it Right” project? Larry King’s thing was a start, now how do you get corporate America to listen and act? Do they only respond to things like the Imus Incident? Or A. Sharpton and the coup’s boycotting? Who starts them to thinking of the good neighbor public relations in offering a helping hand to one of our neighboring states? Now that’s a storm for you, why it is a war on complacency and greed worth reporting!?!

The Nanny as an announcer? I don't think so! You and your team should consider Michael Buffer to introduce your show everynight. He could say, "Let's get ready for Anderson Cooper threeeeee siiiiiiiiiiiiiixty!" You'd have everybody pumped up and ready to watch the news.

Saw the Ozzy Osbourne "audition." Yikes! is all I have to say on that.

May I say that I wouldn't be opposed to retaining Larry King as the one who introduces you every night? I love that he has a knack for saying the right things and making you smile just before the show. You know, how he always calls you "Man of the Hour", or the other day, he called you "Mr. New Year's Eve." I mean, that would make me smile, too, if I were you.

But if you're still looking for a "big-name" voice, and that person makes you smile, then he/she has my vote. Personally, I like Demi Moore's voice. Husky and sexy, yet authoritative.

This is a little bit from left field, but a theory I had would be Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman from the 1990's cartoon series. Don't laugh, he has a very dramatic and intense delivery that, while it is not James Earl Jones, still manages to eerily disembodied and ominous. "CNN: Serious Business."

Second runner up would be Patrick Stewart, and I'd say that's a close tie in my book.

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